Gianni Alemanno released from Rebibbia after 18 months, attacks Meloni on prison overcrowding and aligns with Vannacci
The former Rome mayor walked free from Rebibbia prison on Wednesday, immediately accusing the government of inaction on Italy's prison crisis and pledging to work with General Vannacci.
Release and claims of innocence
Gianni Alemanno, the 68-year-old former mayor of Rome, exited the Rebibbia prison just before 10 a.m. on 24 June 2026, after serving 1 year, 5 months and 24 days. He was met by about a hundred right-wing activists chanting "one of us".
Alemanno had been convicted of influence peddling in the "Mondo di Mezzo" investigation and received a definitive sentence of 1 year and 10 months. His alternative measure was revoked on 31 December 2024, after which he was transferred to Rebibbia.I leave prison an innocent man.
Prison conditions
During his incarceration, Alemanno documented his experience in an online "cell diary" that ran to 63 entries.
He reported that overcrowding reached 140% and described a recent night of unbearable heat. The former minister said the conditions deprived detainees of dignity and that the Italian Republic "loses face".I found a prison universe much more degraded and abandoned than I remembered. Cells of four places crammed with six people, in squalor.
Attack on the government
Alemanno announced he would write to Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and request a meeting with the prison administration. He also urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to open a broad debate within the right, including with the National Future movement and General Vannacci.On overcrowding, the Meloni government has done nothing.
Political future
Alemanno, the leader of the Independence movement, stated his political commitment would now be alongside Vannacci, whom he called "someone who breaks the mould and opens a different perspective". He framed his release as a return to fight for systemic change, saying that leaving the prison felt almost like "deserting a trench". He praised many prison officers and healthcare staff, while noting that the only victory during his time inside was a partial pardon granted by President Mattarella to an 88-year-old sick inmate who had been detained for six years.
Background
The case stemmed from the "Mondo di Mezzo" probe, which exposed a network of links between politics, business and crime in Rome. Alemanno was convicted of illicit influence peddling; he noted that the offence had since been abolished. His sentence ended early Wednesday morning, prompting the release.
